SocialBiz

STRESS MANAGEMENT AFTER RETIREMENT - Part of a lecture series for Retired Teachers in Nigeria. Lecture presented and delivered by Olumide Oyekunle (B.sc. Sociology) STRESS – WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT’S NOT •         Stress is not a biological condition, it is the consequence of our inability to adjust to the strains of life encountered in our day to day activities or inactivity. •        Men are more prone to having stress than women. •        Stress is a social fact. •        Stress is not a bad thing, it is normal and necessary for life. •        It is the response to social stimuli •        The maladjustment encountered in trying to cope with such circumstances causes distress. •       SOCIETY AND YOU •        Stress is induced •        How does the society or social expectations affect you after retirement? •        List the various types of expectation as a •        Mother •        Father •        Grandparent •        Elder/Religious lea

It is a question that not only portrays a downward trend in reading culture , but also reflects the consequences evidently sufficient enough for stakeholders to ponder on. It is believed that Teens, that is, those within the age bracket of 13-19 will become tomorrow’s adults and leaders who will be saddled with the responsibility of channeling the course of societies. Therefore, such category of persons must not be defective in knowledge and lacking the wisdom necessary for insightful thinking, critical understanding, knowledge acquisition and a robust mind which reading effectively provides. There is the need however, to distinguish between reading for knowledge acquisition and pleasure as against reading to pursue Academic goals only. It is in this context that we are able to fully comprehend the gravity of the question in its simple hypothetical form. To imply that there is poor reading culture , is to further broaden our perception on the change the society has undergone. The

THE CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE – A SOCIOLOGICAL CRITIQUE Since Pre-historic times, climate has always changed and it will always change. Despite our scientific exploits which distinguishes us from animals (homosapiens), it is evident that there are indeed forces of nature which humanity will never be able to control.  California wild fires, super storms, earthquakes, super volcanoes, Tsunamis, flashfloods, solar storm, heat waves, comet hitting our planet and other extreme weather are some of the demons to nature’s aesthetics and splendor and no multi-million dollar investment or mere reduction of green house emissions can stop. When nature is furious, it pays no attention to life, property and care less about our policies as it rages on. Change is inevitable and climate is not exempted. The denial of such, as to seek to stop the evolutionary cycle goes against the scientific spirit which agrees to the theory of evolution. Climate change is a critical factor in Darwinian tradition a

5 DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF EXTREMISM - FROM INNOCENCE TO EXTREMISM Human beings are weak at heart. When they are over-shadowed by the cultural environment they find themselves. There are 5 stages of social impact on the individual which determines the state of their moderate disposition or extremism. 1.       The stage of innocence ; this is characterized by early childhood. 2.       The stage of conscious learning ; this is where the individual observes and imitates significant others and internalize customs and behaviours. He takes on roles assigned to him/her by the society and is bound by the norms. At this stage, the individual may not be able to challenge the status-quo as he/she is obliged to adhere strictly to the guidelines of standardized behavior as laid down by the society. 3.       The stage of Integration; this is when the norms and values become part of the individual personalty. The individual find joy, fulfillment and a sense of belonging as a result of his/

A LITMUS TEST FOR ACCOMMODATING REFUGEES As long as there are wars (and there will always be), there will always be refugees. The problem is not about the migration pattern, but of more concern is their impact on the host nations. Notwithstanding the emotions and sentiments, there is the need for caution. History is the mother of all scientific reasoning either present or futuristic. The evidence of history is enough to save us from the shallow reasoning and short-sightedness of emotions. Policies at accommodating refugees must take cognizance of the following; 1.       Individual personality 2.       A test of social loyalty : Will they be loyal to the new establishment in which they find themselves or they find it ‘unholy’ and disgusting? This leads to; 3.       Religious affiliation/Belief system : The rate of accommodation or adaptation of a group depends on the substance of relationship as enshrined in such customs they subscribe to or their articles of faith. 4.  

‘SAINTS’ PATRONIZING DEMONS – WHY HUMAN SACRIFICE MAY PERSIST IN AFRICA Despite the influence of Western civilizations on the continent, human sacrifice and so many fetish practices are still perpetuated in Africa. One wonders what kind of ‘technology’ could turn a human being to a money-making machine or the use of a fetus, human private organs or the blood from a menstruating woman to bring sudden wealth and quick fortune courtesy of the largesse of some spiritual banking institutions who probably have a reserve that can bail out Greece. The exploration of the African black magic and the establishment of houses of horror transcend Sociological/Philosophical explanation.  However, we are not oblivious from the fact that it has not in any way contributed to the development of the continent in terms of science and technology, instead it has encouraged wickedness, inspired terror, ignited wars and sparked the fire of power tussle, created rooms for suspicion and distrust while it feed

                          LET EUROPE CARRY HER CROSS!!! No country can isolate itself from the actions and in-actions of others. There is no time for blame games as regards the consequences of Europe’s policies towards the invasion of Iraq, the ouster of Gaddafi in Lybia and its indifferent attitude to the Assad regime when it became obvious that he could no longer be in charge. Every foreign policy in modern times will always have a bounce back effect – either short-run or long-run consequences which works in two ways; 1. Destabilize the political, economic and social structure of the target nation by making use of disgruntled elements and power elites who wish to wrestle power and change the political order to satisfy their filthy lucre.  They smuggle arms and insight violence and civil war breaks out. 2. Consolidate and strengthen a government that supports Western economic pursuits and overlooking away from their dictatorial excesses when it matters most. We are in a connecte

A DIVIDED AMERICA, A DISJOINTED WORLD Beyond the economic might and the freedom enjoyed by the citizens of the United States, of more importance is the peace to prosper and pursue greatness. However, recent events are worrisome to say the least. America has become compartmentalized along reasoning, opinions and values and injustice has become the platform for the broadcast of its diversity. Gun control issues, religious intolerance, and the ever increasing secular demographic are some evidences of a constantly changing country. However, the effects of this division and internal strife will reach a catastrophic height if care is not taken. America’s grip on the world is about to loose.  A country cannot be divided within its own domain and expect to tackle effectively global issues. The implication of this is that there will be more room for hostile governments to fund terror groups, reduced funding for Africa and aid for development and research and the taking over of the fina

@KIM DAVIES – “RENDER UNTO CAESAR WHAT BELONGS TO CAESAR” I do not intend to condemn Kim; neither do I praise her for standing on her Christian values and defying the Kentucky laws. However, what she failed to realize is that, in a society where there are lots of folks with diverse beliefs, cultural orientation, and where our actions are humanified rather than divinified – from our courts to game centers, the wall street etc, our actions and in-actions are constructed on the prevailing laws which, in the social contract, we all submitted to the state. This is Democracy after all, not Theocracy. Perhaps, Kim should have simply studied the life of Christ which she professes to allow wisdom to prevail. In Mat. 22 17-21, Jesus was asked a rather tempting question; “Tell us therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? He answered them (and I believe that answer must be given by all who hold religious views which may be in conflict with state laws) “whos